Internally generated close captioning/tele-texting for set-up menus of network-capable signal-processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and/or method of use as described herein provide generated menu data to a display device for initial network parameter configuration data input of the apparatus. The apparatus, in one form, includes a text generator for input of initial network parameter configuration data therein. This system, apparatus and/or method require only a small amount of boot ROM to implement. In one form, the subject invention involves an apparatus having a digital video receiver operative to receive digital video data, a digital video converter coupled to the digital video receiver and operative to convert the digital video data into an analog video signal, a menu data generator operative to generate set-up menu data that is displayable by a display device as a parameter set-up menu for assisting in the input of set-up parameters into the apparatus, and a menu data inserter coupled to the menu data generator and the digital video converter and operative to insert the menu data into a vertical blanking interval of the analog video signal.

The present invention relates to techniques for configuring anetwork-capable signal processing apparatus such as a DSL set-top box,cable set-top box, and/or the like, with the help of closed captionand/or tele-text display.

Network-capable signal processing apparatuses such as DSL set-top boxes,cable set-top boxes, and/or the like generally have a limited size offlash-memory based boot ROM but have a relatively sufficient size RAM asthe memory architecture. The boot ROM thus contains only very limitedsoftware that allows the apparatus to establish communication with thehead-end service provider and other basic booting functions. The serviceprovider will provide or will download the user-function-orientedapplication software to the apparatus typically through a broadbandconnection. After providing or downloading of the application software,which can be a couple of megabytes (MB) in size, the applicationsoftware will start to run in the system RAM.

The first time that the apparatus is powered on in the end user site,the apparatus needs certain configuration parameters to communicate withthe service provider. These parameters may include the serviceprovider's host name, the virtual channel number, and/or otherinformation. After these parameters are configured, the above-mentionedapplication software downloading process can be carried on at eachpower-on cycle.

In order to configure these parameters with the minimum size bootsoftware (due to the limited size of the boot ROM), a very simple userinterface should be provided. The user interface should also be able totake the user's parameter input and display the parameter in order toprovide visual confirmation of such information. Another importantconsideration is that the user interface should not provide any possibleaccess that may cause any network security problems such as MAC addressmodifications, DHCP parameter leasing time alteration and/or the like.Therefore, PC-oriented configuration methods are not recommended.

To consider the configuration process from the display aspect, this typeof apparatus usually has a very complex graphic display mechanism andrequires a very large amount of software, including a graphic library,font library, and/or the like to accomplish even a simple text displaytask. Obviously, to place these software components in the boot ROM orPROM software is impossible.

It would thus be desirable to have an apparatus that receives initialnetwork parameter configuration data while utilizing only a small amountof boot PROM in order to conserve boot PROM space.

It would thus be further desirable to have an apparatus that allows theinput of minimum initial network parameter configuration data via aset-up menu while utilizing only a small amount of boot PROM in order toconserve boot PROM space.

It would thus be yet further desirable to have an apparatus thatgenerates set-up menu data displayable by a display device for input ofminimum network parameter configuration data without the need forgraphic and/or font library.

An apparatus, system, and/or method of use as described herein providegenerated data to a display device for initial network parameterconfiguration data input of the apparatus. The apparatus, in one form,includes a text generator for input of initial network parameterconfiguration data therein that overcomes the problems discussed above.This system, apparatus and/or method require only a small amount of bootROM or PROM to implement.

In one form, the subject invention concerns an apparatus having adigital video receiver operative to receive digital video data, adigital video converter coupled to the digital video receiver andoperative to convert the digital video data into an analog video signal,a menu data generator operative to generate set-up menu data that isdisplayable by a display device as a parameter set-up menu for assistingin the input of set-up parameters into the apparatus, and a menu datainserter coupled to the menu data generator and the digital videoconverter and operative to insert the menu data into a vertical blankinginterval of the analog video signal.

In another form, the subject invention concerns a method of assisting inthe input of set-up parameters into an apparatus. The method includes:(a) receiving incoming digital video data; (b) converting the digitalvideo data into an analog video signal; and (c) inserting menu data intoa vertical blanking interval of the analog video signal, the menu dataallowing a display device coupled to the apparatus to utilize the menudata to display a set-up menu for input of set-up parameters into theapparatus.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of exemplary systems in which the subjectinvention may be utilized;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital apparatus inaccordance with the principles described herein coupled to a displaydevice;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary apparatus in accordancewith the principles described herein;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a display device showing an exemplaryset-up menu as provided to the display device by the apparatus inaccordance with the principles of the subject invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of operation of the presentapparatus or method of execution of the principles of the subjectinvention; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another exemplary manner of operation of thepresent apparatus or method of execution of the principles of thesubject invention.

Corresponding reference characters Indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a diagrammatic representationof an exemplary system, generally designated 10, in which the subjectinvention may be, and preferably is, used. It should be appreciated thatthe system 10 is only representative of a type of system in which thesubject invention is applicable. The principles of the subject inventionare, of course, applicable to other systems. The system 10 is generallya television or multi-media system.

The system 10 includes a digital apparatus 12 that is operative, adaptedand/or configured to receive digital video signals from a variety ofsources and process the digital video signals for presentation on adisplay or display device 22 coupled thereto. The digital apparatus 12is particularly operative, adapted and/or configured to convert theincoming digital video signals into analog video signals forpresentation on the display 22. It should be appreciated that thedigital apparatus 12 is also preferably operative, adapted and/orconfigured to receive digital audio signals from a variety of sourcesand present the processed digital audio signals to an appropriate soundreproduction device (not particularly shown but which may beincorporated into the display device 22). The display device 22 may be atelevision, monitor or the like that can receive, process and/or displayvideo signals (e.g. television video signals) and optionally receive,process and/or reproduce audio signals (e.g. television audio signals).In particular, the display device 22 is preferably operative, adaptedand/or configured to receive and process the audio and video signalsfrom the digital apparatus 12. Typically, the display device 22 receivesand processes analog video and audio signals that have been generated bythe digital apparatus 12 from input digital video and audio signals(i.e. television signals).

The digital apparatus 12 of the system 10 is thus shown having severalsignal inputs or signal sources. The signal inputs or sources will bedescribed in connection with or in respect to video signals and,particularly but not necessarily, digital video signals. It should beappreciated that audio signals and analog audio/video signals may bereceived by the digital apparatus 12. The digital apparatus 12 is alsooperative in accordance with the principles presented herein withrespect to incoming (input) analog signals rather than digital signals,or a combination of both. It is contemplated, however, that inputsignals to the digital device 12 are digital (both audio and video).Moreover, it is contemplated that the digital signals are in an MPEGformat. Digital signals of other formats, however, are contemplated andmay be used. Thus, while the below discussion is with respect to MPEGformatted digital signals, other digital format signals may be input tothe digital apparatus 12. The digital apparatus 12 thus has thenecessary circuitry/logic to accommodate receiving and processingdigital signals in the manner described herein to accommodate thedigital format. At the least, the digital apparatus includescircuitry/logic for a single digital format according to the digitalformat being utilized in a particular region, CATV system, satellitesystem, or the like.

A satellite receiver and/or transmitter 14 representing satellitetelevision (e.g. direct broadcast satellite, DBS, or other satellitesystem) is depicted in the system 10 as one signal input/output to thedigital apparatus 12. The two-headed arrow connecting the satellite 14with the digital apparatus 12 represents possible two-way communicationbetween the digital apparatus 12 and the satellite transceiver 14. Inone form, the satellite antenna 14 is only a receiver of digitalsatellite signals and thus can only transmit the received digitalsatellite signals to the digital apparatus 12. In this case, there is nocommunication from the digital apparatus to the satellite dish 14 withrespect to outgoing (broadcast) transmissions (as differentiated fromany antenna control signals generated by the digital apparatus 12 andprovided to the satellite antenna 14). In another form, the satelliteantenna also provides transmitting capabilities in which case thetwo-headed arrow representing the connection between the digitalapparatus 12 and the satellite antenna 14 is appropriate.

A network 16 representing a cable television (CATV) network, theInternet, DSL system, other broadband system, or the like is depicted inthe system 10 as another signal input/output to the digital apparatus12. The two-headed arrow connecting the network 16 with the digitalapparatus 12 represents possible, and in this case preferably, two-waycommunication between the digital apparatus 12 and the network 16. Aserver 20 is also shown coupled to the network 16 which is alsopreferably in two-way communication with the network 16 as representedby the double-headed arrow depicted therebetween. The digital apparatus12 may also receive input signals from other signal sources asrepresented by the “other input(s)” box 18. As represented by thedouble-headed arrow depicted between the digital apparatus 12 and theother input(s) box 18, the digital apparatus 12 may only receive inputsignals from the other input(s) 18 or may receive input signals from theother input(s) 18 and provide output signals to the other input(s) 18.In one form, and as described further below, the network 16 and theserver 20 represent a cable or CATV network having a head-end. The CATVsystem is preferably a digital cable system (i.e. provides itstelevision/multi-media signals in a digital format), but may be ananalog cable system (i.e. provides its television/multimedia signals inan analog format) or a digital/analog (hybrid) cable system. Also, theCATV system (digital apparatus 12, network 16, and server 20) ispreferably, but not necessarily, operative, adapted and/or configured toprovide two-way communication. It should thus be appreciated that whilethe below description of the subject invention is described inconnection with the digital apparatus 12 in a CATV system, the subjectinvention may be utilized in a digital apparatus 12 in connection withother systems.

As part of a CATV system, the digital apparatus 12 is operative, adaptedand/or configured to provide two-way communication between the digitalapparatus 12 and the server/head-end 20 once the digital apparatus 12 is“recognized” or configured by the CATV system. Recognition orconfiguration of the digital apparatus 12 is accomplished through theinput of various parameters or data (set-up parameters or data) into thedigital apparatus 12. This is typically accomplished during an initialset-up or boot-up of the digital apparatus system. Such set-upparameters or data may be termed network configuration parameters ordata. Thus, the digital apparatus 12 must go through a network parameterconfiguration mode upon initial installation and/or power-up. Once thenetwork parameters are configured in the digital apparatus, the digitalapparatus 12 is able to receive digital signals or receive and senddigital signals from/to the head-end provider (i.e. server 20). As well,thereafter the head-end provider controls everything.

It should also be appreciated that the various signal inputs or sourcesdepicted in FIG. 1 (as well as other, non-depicted signalinputs/sources) are not necessarily all coupled to a digital apparatus14 at one time or even present in a given system with the digitalapparatus 12. The system 10 thus represents various possible signalinputs/sources in which the digital apparatus may be utilized.

In accordance with an aspect of the subject invention, the digitalapparatus 12 is configured, adapted and/or operative to generateauxiliary data and insert the auxiliary data into the analog videosignals generated from the input digital video signals. As such, thedisplay device 22 is configured, adapted and/or operative to receive andprocess the auxiliary data and, more particularly, display the auxiliarydata. According to a feature of the subject invention, the auxiliarydata is displayable as a set-up menu for input of parameters such asnetwork parameters into the digital apparatus 12. These parameters arenecessary to establish initial communication with a head-end provider,signal source, or the like. As such, the auxiliary data may be termedmenu data. Particularly, the digital apparatus 12 is operative, adaptedand/or configured to generate and provide in the outputted analog videosignal, auxiliary data in the form of data inserted into a portion ofthe output signal from the digital apparatus. This output signal may bean analog video (television) signal and the portion of the output signalmay be the vertical blanking interval. The vertical blanking interval istypically utilized to carry auxiliary data/information. Preferably, theauxiliary data is menu data in the form of closed caption (CC) dataand/or tele-text data carried by the vertical blanking interval. Theauxiliary data, however, may be carried by the output signal of thedigital apparatus 12 in other manners.

The digital apparatus 12 is also operative, adapted and/or configured toreceive digital data other than digital television signals. This digitaldata may include, but not be limited to, program guide data, softwareand/or software components for existing digital apparatus software,control data, and/or other types of data that allow the digitalapparatus to operate appropriately for the type of digital apparatusand/or environment of use.

In one form, the digital apparatus 12 is a set-top box or apparatus suchas a satellite receiver, a cable television (CATV) set-top box orreceiver, a DSL set-top, or the like. Particularly, in one form, thedigital apparatus 12 is a broadband or network-capable MPEG apparatus.The broadband capable MPEG apparatus 12 is coupled to a broadbandconnection (e.g. CATV and/or DSL network 16) wherein the server 20 is ahead-end CATV/DSL facility. In order to begin communication between thenetwork-capable MPEG apparatus 12 and the server 20, digital apparatusparameters (i.e. network parameters) need to be Inputted into thedigital apparatus 12. The input of such network parameters into thenetwork-capable MPEG apparatus 12 is accomplished by the network-capableMPEG apparatus 12 in conjunction with the display 22. Particularly, thenetwork-capable MPEG apparatus 12 generates menu (auxiliary) data andInserts the generated menu data into the output analog video signal.

Referring to FIG. 2, a general block diagram of the network-capable MPEGapparatus 12 is depicted. The network-capable MPEG apparatus 12 is showncoupled to the display device 22. The display 22 device includes asignal processor, signal processing circuitry/logic or the like 42coupled to a display 44. The display may be a CRT, LCD screen, plasmascreen, or any other video reproduction device.

The signal processor 42 is operative, adapted and/or configured toreceive an incoming analog video signal and extract the auxiliary (menu)data. The signal processor 42 is further operative, adapted and/orconfigured to utilize the extracted menu data to display a parameterset-up menu on the display 44 of the display device 22. This isaccomplished via either the closed captioning portion of the signalprocessor 42 or the tele-text portion of the signal processor 42,depending on the format of the menu data.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the network-capable MPEG apparatus 12receives digital video signals via a digital video input or digitalvideo input means 30. The digital video input 30 is coupled to a digitalvideo receiver or digital video receiving means 32 that is operative,adapted and/or configured to receive the digital video signal providedat the digital video input 30. The digital video receiver 32 is coupledto a digital video processor or digital video processing means 34 thatis operative, adapted and/or configured to process the digital videosignal including signal decompression and/or decoding. The digital videoprocessor 34 is coupled to a digital to analog converter or digital toanalog converter means 36. The digital to analog converter 36 isoperative, adapted and/or configured to convert the digital videosignals into analog video signals. The digital to analog converter 36 iscoupled to a menu (auxiliary) data inserter or menu data inserter means38. The menu data inserter 38 is operative, adapted and/or configured toinsert menu (auxiliary) data into the analog video signal from thedigital to analog converter 36. The analog video signal with insertedmenu (auxiliary) data is then provided to a signal output or signaloutput means 40.

In one exemplary case, the menu data is closed caption data that isinserted by the menu data inserter 38 into the vertical blankinginterval (VBI) of the analog video signal. In another exemplary case,the menu data is tele-text data that is inserted by the menu datainserter 38 into the VBI. In both cases, such insertion in the VBI isaccomplished as is known in the art.

The signal output from the signal output 40 is provided to the displaydevice 22. The display device 22 includes a display 44 such as a CRT,projection, plasma, LCD or the like and a signal processor 42. Thesignal processor 42 receives and processes the incoming analog videosignal from the digital apparatus 12. Particularly, the signalprocessor, in addition to normal analog video signal processing,extracts and processes the menu data from analog video signal. Moreparticularly, the menu data is processed according to the type thereof(i.e. closed caption or tele-text) and is accordingly provided to thedisplay 44. The display device 22 should therefore be put in a closedcaption and/or tele-text mode in order to show the set-up menu,generated from the menu data, on the display 44.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is depicted a flowchart, generally designated50, of an exemplary manner of operation of the subject invention,particularly with respect to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, butwhich is applicable to all embodiments of the subject invention. Asindicated in step 52, the digital apparatus 12 receives the incomingdigital video data. The received digital video data is then convertedinto analog video data or signal, as indicated in step 54. The analogvideo data may be in the form of NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. Once the videodata has been converted into an analog video signal, menu data isinserted into the analog video signal (particularly in the VBI thereof)as provided in step 56. The menu data is preferably inserted as closedcaption or tele-text data. Particularly, the closed caption or tele-textdata is inserted into the VBI of the analog video signal. In thismanner, the display device 22 (e.g. television) can provide the closedcaption or tele-text data in the form of a set-up menu. The set-up menuallows for the input of broadband or network parameters into the digitalapparatus.

With reference now to FIG. 3, there is depicted another exemplaryembodiment of a digital apparatus 12. The digital apparatus 12 isoperative, adapted and/or configured to receive an incoming or inputdigital video signal, convert the digital video signal into an analogvideo signal, and provide auxiliary data (e.g. set-up menu data) intothe analog video signal, the auxiliary data allowing a display devicereceiving the analog video signal to depict or present a set-up menu forassistance in the input of broadband and/or network parameters into thedigital apparatus 12.

The digital apparatus 12 includes a processing unit, processor,processing means, central processing unit (CPU), processingcircuitry/logic, and/or the like 60. Memory 62 is provided and coupledto the processing unit 60. The memory 62 represents both read onlymemory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The ROM may be in the formof programmable memory (PROM) such as EEPROM, flash memory, or othertype of programmable read only memory (collectively “ROM”). The ROM isutilized to store boot-up (boot) program instructions (e.g. software)for use by the processing unit 60 (i.e. the digital apparatus 12). Theboot programming includes program instructions and/or digital data toallow the digital apparatus to generate menu data and insert thegenerated menu data into the analog video signal. The RAM may be in theform of DRAM, SDRAM or the like (collectively “RAM”). The RAM isutilized to store the input broadband and/or network parameters. Oncethe digital apparatus 12 is initialized, the RAM may also storeprogramming, data and other items that are downloaded from the head-end.

The digital apparatus 12 further includes an infrared (IR) receiver orreceiver means 64 as part of an embodiment of a user input or user inputmeans. The IR receiver 64 is operative, adapted and/or configured toreceive commands (data) from a IR transmitter (remote) 66. It should beappreciated that the digital apparatus 12 may utilize other manners ofuser input such as input from a front panel of the digital apparatus 12,an RF transmitter/receiver, and/or the like. Data received from theremote 66 is provided and/or manipulated by the processing unit 60 towhich the IR receiver 64 is coupled. In one form, the remote 66transmits broadband and/or network parameters that are input into theremote by the user in response to the set-up menu generated by thedigital apparatus 12 and provided to the display device 22. Thesebroadband and/or network parameters are stored in the RAM 62.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the digital apparatus 12 has a networkinterface or network interface means 70 that is coupled to the signalinput 30. The signal input 30 provides the digital video data/signal tothe digital apparatus 12. The network interface 70 allows communicationbetween the digital video data source (e.g. the head-end 20) and thedigital apparatus 12. The network interface 70 is also preferablycoupled to and/or under the control, at least partially, of theprocessing unit 60. The network interface 70 is coupled to a digitaldecoder or digital decoder means 72 that is also preferably coupled toand/or under the control, at least partially, of the processing unit 60.The digital decoder 72 is operative, adapted and/or configured todecode/decompress the digital video data. In one form, the digitaldecoder 72 is an MPEG decoder/decompressor. Of course, it should beappreciated that the digital decoder 72 may decode/decompress digitallycoded/encoded signals of types other than MPEG.

The digital apparatus 12 also has a display buffer (encompassingmultiple display buffers) or display buffer means 74 that is coupled tothe digital decoder 72. The display buffer is also preferably coupled toand/or under the control, at least partially, of the processing unit 60.The display buffer is operative, adapted and/or configured to receiveand temporarily store decompressed digital video data produced by thedigital decoder 72. The display buffer may be portioned in the SDRAM.

The digital apparatus 12 further has a digital encoder (DENC) or digitalencoder means 76 that is coupled to the display buffer 74. The DENC 76is also preferably coupled to and/or under the control, at leastpartially, of the processing unit 60. The DENC 76 is operative, adaptedand/or configured to take the decompressed digital video data from thedisplay buffer 74 and convert the decompressed digital video data intoappropriate analog video data or signal(s). The DENC 76 also hasinternal registers 77 that are operative, adapted and/or configured toreceive digital data from the processing unit 60 that will be convertedinto closed caption (CC) or tele-text data in the VBI of the appropriateanalog video signal. Particularly, the processing unit 60 throughprogram instructions and/or data contained in the memory (boot ROM) 62,provides digital menu data to the registers 77 of the DENC 76 that isthen inserted by the DENC 76 into the analog video signal. The menu datais converted by the DENC 76 into analog form such a CC or tele-text datain the VBI of the analog signal. The analog signal is provided at thesignal output or signal output means 42.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is depicted the display device 22 coupled tothe digital apparatus 12 in accordance with the present principles. Anexemplary set-up menu 80 is shown on the display 44 of the displaydevice 22. The set-up menu 80 is preferably in the form of closedcaptioning or tele-text of which the display device 44 is capable ofprocessing and displaying. The menu 80 is shown having a title or header(i.e. “Parameter Set-up Menu”) and character strings 81 that provide theinstructions to the user. The character strings 81 provide the text todisplay in order for the user to input the set-up parameters (e.g.parameter 1 and parameter 2) into the digital apparatus 12.

With reference now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a flowchart, generallydesignated 82, of another exemplary manner of operation of the subjectinvention, particularly with respect to the embodiment depicted in FIG.3, but which is applicable to all embodiments of the subject invention.As indicated in step 84, the digital apparatus 12 has (or prepares in)with its memory, a two-dimensional array that contains an index for eachnetwork parameter needed to be configured, and a guidance characterstring for each network parameter. In step 86, upon boot-up of thedigital apparatus 12, the digital apparatus makes a check of theintegrity of network parameters. Particularly, the digital apparatusperforms an integrity check that determines if the appropriate networkparameters are (have been) stored in memory. In step 88, the digitalapparatus makes the determination of whether the integrity check wassuccessful. If the integrity check was successful (indicated by the “Y”for “Yes”), the appropriate network parameters are stored in the memoryof the digital apparatus and the normal boot-up operation is continued,step 98. If, however, the integrity check was not successful (indicatedby the “N” for “No”), then the program flow continues to step 90.

In step 90, the boot software only initializes the hardware resources ofthe digital apparatus 12 that is necessary for menu data insertion intothe produced analog signal. The menu data insertion is for creation of aset-up menu on the display device 22. The boot software provides thenecessary data to create the set-up menu and various character stringsfor display as directions or parameter input information such as “Followthe Parameter Index and Display The Correlated Character String(s).” Instep 92, the display device is set to a closed caption (CC) mode ortele-text mode in order to process and display the menu data as a set-upmenu utilizing the closed captioning or tele-text mode of the displaydevice 22.

The network parameters are then input into the digital apparatus, step94. The network parameters are directly Inputted into the digitalapparatus 12 such as via the remote 66 (see FIG. 3) at the prompting ofthe set-up menu 80. Thereafter, in step 96, the boot software utilizesthe inputted network parameters to establish communication between thedigital apparatus 12 and the head-end (server) 20. Normal boot-upoperation, step 98, is then performed after network communication isestablished.

As a synopsis to the above, and in keeping with the example of a CATVapparatus and a head-end, the network or broadband-capable MPEGapparatus 12 needs some minimal initial network parameter configurationbefore it can properly communicate with the head-end service provider 20to have the application software downloaded and start any user requiredservice. This operation should be done in the boot ROM execution time.Since the boot ROM of this kind of apparatus or device has a verylimited size, the software for the configuration and/or displayfunctions is thus very compact.

The method according to the principles of the subject inventiontypically only requires a first time boot up, e.g. at the end user homesite. During such a boot up routine, the network-capable MPEG apparatus12 will generate the closed caption or tele-text on the display device22. The display message (set-up menu) will guide the user or installerto enter the required network parameters. Once these required networkparameters are properly placed in the non-volatile memory 62 of thenetwork-capable MPEG apparatus 12, typically via a remote 66 and remotereceiver 64 of the digital apparatus 12, the network-capable MPEGapparatus 12 can properly download the application software along withadditional network configuration parameters from the head-end providercan properly download the application software along with additionalnetwork configuration parameters from the head-end provider can properlydownload the application software along with additional networkconfiguration parameters from the head-end provider 20. After the aboveoperation is successfully accomplished, the described method for messagegeneration is preferably disabled.

In summation, the described system, apparatus and/or method isapplicable to both closed caption and tele-text options for theparameter configuration supporting display. Currently, in North Americathe tele-text display feature may not be available on the conventionaltelevision set, but is available in Europe for instance. As indicatedabove, the subject invention involves generating closed caption andtele-text internal to a signal decoding apparatus for the specialdisplay purpose (parameter set-up). Of course, it should be appreciatedthat the special display purpose is not limited to parameter set-up andthus other special display purpose may use or take advantage of theprinciples of the subject invention.

In further summation, the described closed caption or tele-text displayfunction guides the user or installer to configure, e.g. fundamentalparameters to establish the initial communication with the head-endservice provider. The display function is designed such that it displaysany parameter that is sensitive to network security. After thesefundamental parameters are configured, the display function ispreferably disabled. From then on, the head-end service providercontrols everything.

The subject invention dispenses with the need for a graphic library or afont library. The subject invention also does not need an external PCconnection for the parameter configuration. Since the subject inventiondoes not use a graphic library or a font library, there is not need tostore these libraries in the internal non-volatile memory. This allowsthese libraries to be upgraded during the active service period of theapparatus.

The present system, apparatus and/or method provides at least thefollowing advantages and/or features: 1) the system apparatus and/ormethod generates the closed caption or tele-text display messageinternal to the network-capable MPEG apparatus 12 to accomplishon-screen display for network parameter configuration; 2) the closedcaption or tele-text message for the purpose described herein requiresless than a hundred bytes of memory, which is in contrast to a fontand/or graphic library needed for typical display application that willrequire approximately ten MB in memory size; 3) the closed caption ortele-text feature only requires several registers being set up becauseno transport engine or graphic engine hardware is required, and thisfurther contributes to minimizing the software size for the subjectinvention; 4) the system, apparatus and/or method requires no PC accessfor the parameter configuration, so it will not cause any potentialnetwork security risks; and 5) the system, apparatus and/or method istotally independent from any graphic or font libraries and, therefore,is very beneficial to the head-end service provider when the serviceprovider want to upgrade those components.

The system, apparatus and/or method generate the closed caption ortele-text display message internal to the network-capable MPEG apparatusto accomplish on-screen display for network parameter configuration. Theclosed caption or tele-text message for the purpose as described hereinrequires less than a hundred bytes of memory, which is significantlyless than the approximately 10 MB of storage space required for a fontand graphic library needed to implement a typical message displayapplication.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, of adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. In an apparatus, a method of assisting in the input of set-upparameters into the apparatus comprising: receiving incoming digitalvideo data; converting the digital video data into an analog videosignal; and inserting menu data into a vertical blanking interval of theanalog video signal, the menu data allowing a display device coupled tothe apparatus to utilize the menu data to display a set-up menu forinput of set-up parameters into the apparatus.
 2. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein inserting menu data into a vertical blankinginterval of the analog video signal includes: retrieving digital menudata stored in read only memory; and utilizing a digital encoder tocombine the retrieved digital menu data with the analog video signal. 3.The method according to claim 2, wherein retrieving digital menu datastored in memory includes retrieving digital menu data in read only bootmemory.
 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: writingthe retrieved digital menu data to registers of the digital encoder. 5.The method according to claim 1, wherein inserting menu data into avertical blanking interval of the analog video signal includes:inserting menu data comprising one of closed caption menu data andtele-text menu data into the vertical blanking interval of the analogvideo signal.
 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:receiving set-up parameters into the apparatus.
 7. An apparatuscomprising: a digital video receiver operative to receive digital videodata; a digital video converter coupled to the digital video receiverand operative to convert the digital video data into an analog videosignal; a menu data generator operative to generate set-up menu datathat is displayable by a display device as a parameter set-up menu forassisting in the input of set-up parameters into the apparatus; and amenu data inserter coupled to the menu data generator and the digitalvideo converter and operative to insert the menu data into a verticalblanking interval of the analog video signal.
 8. The apparatus accordingto claim 7, wherein the menu data generator comprises a processing unitin communication with memory, the memory containing menu data generationsoftware/data.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the menudata generator is operative to insert menu data comprising one of closedcaption menu data and tele-text menu data into the vertical blankinginterval of the analog video signal.
 10. The apparatus according toclaim 7, further comprising: a network parameter receiver operative toreceive set-up parameters into the apparatus from a user.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the menu data inserter includesa digital encoder.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein thedigital encoder include data registers operative to receive generatedmenu data prior to insertion into the analog video signal.
 13. Anapparatus comprising: means for receiving digital video data; means,coupled to the means for receiving digital video data, for convertingthe digital video data into an analog video signal; means for generatingmenu data that is displayable by a display device as a parameter set-upmenu for assisting in the input of set-up parameters into the apparatus;and means, coupled to the means for generating menu data and the meansfor converting the digital video data into an analog video signal, forinserting the menu data into a vertical blanking interval of the analogvideo signal.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the meansfor generating menu data comprises means for processing the menu data incommunication with means for storing the processed menu data, the meansfor storing containing menu data generation software/data.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 14, wherein the means for generating menudata is operative to insert menu data comprising one of closed captionmenu data and tele-text menu data into the vertical blanking interval ofthe analog video signal.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 13,further comprising: means for receiving network parameters into theapparatus from a user.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 13, whereinthe means for inserting menu data includes digital encoder means. 18.The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the digital encoder meansinclude data register means operative to receive generated menu dataprior to insertion into the analog video signal.